The park was established in 1929 through a donation of land by Dr. Ernest Fahnestock in memory of his brother, Clarence.
The Appalachian Trail traverses the park, crossing the Taconic State Parkway via a dedicated footbridge.
The park contains the historic Pelton Pond, which was once the site of a 19th-century mill complex.
Fahnestock acts as a critical wildlife corridor within the Hudson Highlands, supporting populations of bobcats, black bears, and coyotes.
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park covers over 14,000 acres in the Hudson Highlands, offering a rugged landscape of ridges, valleys, and numerous ponds. The park centers around Canopus Lake, which provides a designated sandy beach area for swimming during the summer season. Hikers have access to an extensive trail network including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. The park features multiple campgrounds suitable for tent and trailer camping, as well as boat rentals for recreational fishing. In winter, the park transitions to a hub for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with groomed trails. The varied terrain accommodates activities ranging from bird watching to small-game hunting in designated zones.
The scenic overlook near the Appalachian Trail footbridge crossing over the Taconic State Parkway.
Arrive early on summer weekends as the beach parking lot frequently reaches capacity by mid-morning.
Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots, as the trails in the Hudson Highlands are notoriously rocky and uneven.
Download offline maps before arrival, as cellular reception is inconsistent throughout the forest.
Do not attempt to swim in the park's various ponds and reservoirs, as life-guarded swimming is strictly limited to the Canopus Lake beach area.
The sandy beach at Canopus Lake is open only during the summer season; cross-country ski facilities are available only when snow cover is sufficient.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; pets must be kept on a leash at all times, and swimming is prohibited outside of the designated guarded beach.
